Former New Jersey Gov. Jim McGreevey — who shocked the nation in 2004 when he announced he was a “gay American” and stepped down from office — has been denied his bid to join the priesthood of the Episcopal Church, The Post has learned.

Church leaders, who have long embraced gay parishioners and clergy, were bothered by McGreevey’s bitter divorce, sources told The Post.

“It was not being gay but for being a jackass — [McGreevey] didn’t come out of the whole divorce looking good,” said a source with the Episcopal Diocese of Newark.

Some leaders also were wary of McGreevey’s sudden embrace of their faith after his scandal and feared the church was being used, the source added.

After resigning as governor, “he was sort of looking for every angle to make a complete redo of his professional life,” said another church source. “He ran to the church for some kind of cover, which isn’t fully appropriate. Even if he’s a good guy, he should wait five to 10 years to get over his issues.”

Multiple sources noted that it’s very common for first-time aspirants to be told they need to continue with their studies or charitable work before being allowed to join the clergy.

Reached by telephone, McGreevey, citing the confidentiality of the priesthood process, declined to comment.

Bishop Mark Beckwith of the Newark Diocese declined to comment through a spokeswoman.

After the rejection, McGreevey, 53, told friends he was counseled that he “needs more seasoning,” a source said.

McGreevey converted from Catholicism after leaving office. He began studies at the General Theological Seminary in Manhattan in 2007 and graduated last spring with a master’s in divinity.

Since embracing religion, he has been working at Integrity House, a mental-health and drug-addiction treatment center in Newark.

He continues to live in Plainfield, NJ, with his lover since 2005, Australian real-estate executive Mark O’Donnell.